Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 163 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake worth booking?
Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake is a 6-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $279 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 163 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (163)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $279 per person
Come face-to-face with a glacier, marvel at huge humpback whales and top this excitement off with a scrumptious meal featuring wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an alder wood fire. You'll call this combination amazing; we
What you get
About this experience
Come face-to-face with a glacier, marvel at huge humpback whales and top this excitement off with a scrumptious meal featuring wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an alder wood fire. You'll call this combination amazing; we call it the Best of Juneau®.
What's included
Included
- Whale Sighting Guarantee
- Buffet and Hot & Cold Beverages
- Live Entertainment
- Naturalist Guide
- Permits
- Transportation
Not included
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs (available for purchase)
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Mendenhall Glacier
Enjoy a narrated transfer to the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier and its Visitor Center, where a ranger can satisfy your curiosity about the natural wonders there. Roam the grounds, snap photos, take in the interactive exhibits and have the chance to watch bears feast on salmon.
60 minutes here · Admission included
From Mendenhall Glacier, we’ll take you to Auke Bay where you’ll board our state-of-the-art, 48-passenger jet boat custom designed for Juneau whale watching. It has extra-large windows, and an outside viewing deck. Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, and our boat captains are experts at locating them. We guarantee whale sightings; if there are no whales during your cruise, we'll refund $100 to each adult and $50 for children. Your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but it’s likely you'll first hear a collective chorus of "Oohhs!" and "Ahhs!" from your fellow adventurers as they witness a giant humpback suddenly breach. Binoculars are available for your use onboard. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings or to take a photo, or settle into your warm, comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows.
165 minutes here
After your whale watching cruise, you're off to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. In a beautiful setting nestled in the rainforest, you'll arrive with the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire. The all-you-can-eat buffet also includes Cheechako Chicken, Alyeska Au Gratin Potatoes, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild-Rice Pilaf, and other sides, salads, beverages, and blueberry cake for dessert! After your meal, roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire, visit the Salmon Creek Trading Post and stroll to the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall. Take your time; you can return to the dock at your leisure.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Juneau
JUNEAU MEETING PLACE: On the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram -15 minutes prior to tour departure. Once at the meeting area, look for the Alaska Travel Adventures tour representative. They will be wearing a red jacket/shirt, with the Caribou logo.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
JUNEAU MEETING PLACE: On the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram -15 minutes prior to tour departure. Once at the meeting area, look for the Alaska Travel Adventures tour representative. They will be wearing a red jacket/shirt, with the Caribou logo.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please indicate your ship or hotel name when booking your tour
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Children 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 162 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
162 verified traveler reviews for Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful if you have the time
This was wonderful- we had a great whale watching experience ❤️ but had to skip the glacier. Don't do this excursion if you don't have at least 6 hours to use. We only had 4.5 hours and it was barely enough time for 2 activities. We had to return to our cruise ship before 7:30. We should have picked and paid for two activity package. Lesson learned. 😩
via Tripadvisor
This was a nightmare experience!
This was a nightmare experience! The excursion company left my wife and I stranded at the glacier and when we called the office they simply said "sorry, but there's nothing we can do". Apparently their drivers are independent contractors, so they can come and go as they see fit. We completely missed out on the salmon bake and whale watching. We ultimately had to pay another excursion company to give us a ride back to Juneau. Highly recommend going with a different excursion company!!!!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Taste of Juneau
We had a fantastic whale watching tour with Joey and Claire! They took us right to a dozen humpbacks, which we watched for nearly an hour, and shared good information along the way. We also saw sea lions and harbor porpoises (which they said are usually elusive). They answered our questions and took the time to help my daughter identify the whales by name using the marks on their flukes. The hour we spent at the Mendenhall Glacier was unguided. Sadly, the trail to Nugget Falls was closed due to flood concerns. We enjoyed the views and visitors exhibits. The salmon bake lunch has such a cozy vibe in an idyllic setting. The food itself was good—not exceptional, but good. The sounds of the creek flowing, the sight of hanging flower baskets, the smell of salmon cooked over a wood fire, and the chance to toast marshmallows… these are the things I’ll remember!!
via Viator
Busy day filled of lots of great experiences!
Glacier is breathtaking! Corrina was great on letting us know what was our options in the time we had at the glacier. She also was good about pointing out wildlife on the bus ride. Nia and Captain Jay took us out for whale watching and wow! We seen a pod of whales (at least 4)! Nia talked to us about the whales and was very knowledgeable! We seen other wildlife, as well. The salmon was very good! It is grilled and tasted great!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
A little bit of everything! We enjoyed the time on our own to explore and hike the glacier area, including an amazing waterfall. And the whale watching was amazing. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable and the boat was very comfortable. Not a bad view from anywhere on the boat. And yes, we saw whales! And eagles! And Stellar Sea Lions. The salmon bake, along the Salmon Creek, was amazing food. There was also salmon in the salmon creek! And a waterfall. The musician playing while you ate and then explore was a nice touch and appreciated. There was even a marshmallow roasting station. The transportation drivers were friendly and knowledgeable and made us feel welcomed at every stop. We were fat and happy and tired out by the end of the excursion.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 57
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake cost?
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Prices start at $279 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Juneau usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Juneau is not rushed.
Is Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 163 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake?
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Around 57 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Juneau can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Juneau and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Juneau within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Juneau?
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Juneau runs Mendenhall Glacier trips, whale watching in Auke Bay, helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, and rainforest hikes. Most tours are timed to cruise ship windows, so we weight clear duration and pickup detail. On Outty we rank every Juneau experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Whales and Wilderness Exploration. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Juneau?
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May to September, peaking for humpbacks in June and July. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Juneau?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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